Lamar’s Hayden Carlton signs an NCAA Division II letter of intent to play football with Arkansas Tech University in front of his parents, school administration and coaches Wednesday. (THE COURIER / Travis Simpson)

LAMAR — Hayden Carlton became the second Lamar High School student in school history to sign a NCAA Division II letter of intent on Wednesday when he signed to play football at Arkansas Tech University.

Besides ATU being the first college to offer him a scholarship, Carlton said the decision on which school to go to came easy.

“They’re one of the only schools in Arkansas to offer the degree I’m interested in, which is mechanical engineering. I just think they have a really good program for being a Division II college,” he said.

Carlton is the true definition of student athlete — he maintains a 4.0 grade-point average and is currently co-valedictorian at Lamar High School. Carlton also passed the National Exam for AP Calculus, which is an honor shared by only 6 percent of students in the nation and scored a 30 on his ACT.

The Wonder Boys began courting Cartlon early in the summer and although he hadn’t originally dreamed of playing college football, he said he quickly warmed up to the idea.

“I didn’t know I would get to play college ball, until I started doing the college combines over the summer,” he said. “But I love the sport and I am thrilled to make this commitment.”

Carlton played offensive tackle throughout his high school career and hopes his time at Arkansas Tech will be long and prosperous for both himself and the university.

After signing his letter of intent, Carlton told the audience in the packed cafeteria that they were the reason he played football.

“I play for the fans. Just to come out and see the fans,” he said. “Hopefully, now I’ll get to play another four or five years and build great relationships.”